NPR News Now – 12-04-2025 11AM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of major developments in world affairs, national policy, and public health, highlighting ongoing conflicts, shifting vaccine recommendations, immigration enforcement, and the latest moves in U.S. politics and economy.

1. Congo–Rwanda Peace Agreement (00:17–01:22)

• Key Points:

  • The presidents of Congo (Felix Tshisekedi) and Rwanda (Paul Kagame) are in Washington, D.C., for the signing of a “historic peace agreement,” brokered by the Trump administration.
  • The signing is taking place at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace.
  • Despite the agreement, fighting in eastern Congo continues, particularly with the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda.
  • The peace initiative is treated with skepticism due to limited implementation and ongoing conflict.
  • The relationship between Tshisekedi and Kagame remains highly strained, with recent escalations nearly causing war.

• Memorable Quote:

  • “While there’s some optimism that the US brokered peace initiative will yield results, that hope is slim…It’s a tense but symbolic moment. Tshisekedi and Kagame are bitter enemies.” — Emmett Livingstone (00:52)

2. CDC Advisory Panel on Hepatitis B Vaccine for Newborns (01:22–02:00)

• Key Points:

  • The CDC’s advisory panel is meeting to consider whether to continue recommending the hepatitis B vaccine at birth—a standard practice for more than 30 years.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s committee is expected to vote on changing this recommendation.
  • The panel will also discuss the overall vaccine schedule and vaccine ingredients.

• Memorable Quote:

  • “The group is going to be voting on whether to drop the recommendation that hepatitis B vaccines be given to babies at birth. This is a policy that’s been in effect for more than 30 years.” — Ping Wang (01:44)

3. Public Health Experts Warn of Risks (02:00–02:11)

• Key Points:
  • Twelve former FDA leaders have issued warnings that altering the vaccine schedule could endanger public health and erode trust in the healthcare system.

4. Immigration Crackdown and Community Response in Louisiana (02:11–03:10)

• Key Points:

  • In response to federal immigration enforcement in New Orleans (Operation Catahoula Crunch), activist groups in Southeast Louisiana are training locals on legal and peaceful ways to document ICE activity.
  • Community organization OJOS leads workshops, including roleplaying for different scenarios involving ICE.
  • Educating about legal rights is seen as crucial for safety and empowerment.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Encounters with law enforcement can be uncomfortable, even dangerous. So it’s important to practice in advance.” — Rachel Tabor, organizer (02:41)
  • "It's important to teach our constitutional rights to all of us because we cannot live free unless we actually use our rights." — Alex Cox (reporting Rachel Tabor's remarks) (02:49)

5. Venezuelan–U.S. Diplomatic Relations and Military Threats (03:17–04:21)

• Key Points:

  • President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela publicly discusses a recent phone call with President Trump, characterizing it as “cordial and respectful.”
  • The Trump administration is increasing military pressure on Venezuela, hinting at possible forthcoming strikes under the pretext of anti-drug trafficking.
  • Maduro voices a preference for diplomatic engagement and criticizes ongoing “eternal wars,” referencing U.S. interventions in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “I believe that the path between the United States and the Venezuelan people has to be a path of respect, diplomacy, and dialogue.” — Nicolás Maduro (03:52)
  • “Welcome, diplomats, welcome. Dipitz pits.” — Nicolás Maduro, in English (03:57)

6. Automotive Fuel Efficiency Standards Rollback (04:21–04:57)

• Key Points:
  • President Trump announces a reversal of vehicle fuel efficiency standards set by the Biden administration.
  • The move, if finalized in 2026, would lower fuel economy requirements for new cars and trucks through 2031.
  • Environmentalists warn this would increase pollution and consumer costs by enabling less fuel-efficient vehicles.

7. Wall Street Update (03:10, 04:47)

• Key Points:
  • Midday market reports show the Dow down by 14 points and the NASDAQ down by 67 points.

Notable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Symbolic Tension at Peace Summit:
  “It’s a tense but symbolic moment. Tshisekedi and Kagame are bitter enemies.” (Emmett Livingstone, 00:58)

• Civic Empowerment:
  "It's important to teach our constitutional rights to all of us because we cannot live free unless we actually use our rights." (Alex Cox reporting for Rachel Tabor, 02:49)

• Diplomacy Over War:
  “I believe that the path between the United States and the Venezuelan people has to be a path of respect, diplomacy, and dialogue.” (Nicolás Maduro, 03:52)

Summary

This edition of NPR News Now brings listeners up to speed on a high-stakes but fragile peace process in Central Africa, an impending pivotal decision on newborn vaccine policy in the U.S., community responses to aggressive immigration enforcement, shifting U.S.–Venezuela relations amid military threats, and the Trump administration’s move to relax environmental regulations on vehicles. The stories weave together overarching themes of tension between diplomacy and conflict, the struggle for public trust in institutions, and grassroots advocacy in uncertain times.